REGAN: GOVERNMENT MUST COMMIT TO FUND THE TUITION SUPPORT PROGRAM
Date: Tuesday January 26, 2010

(Halifax, NS) Liberal Education Critic Kelly Regan is calling on the NDP government to permanently commit to the Tuition Support Program for special needs students. The program pays partial tuition fees for students to attend one of three special needs schools in the province.

“Parents of special needs students need to know there will be stable funding for this program,” said Kelly Regan, “The government is creating a lot of anxiety for families who can’t afford to pay full tuition costs.”

The Tuition Support program was established in 2004, but permanent funding has never been secured. The NDP government has yet to release a report on the program commissioned by the last government. Without the report and an official response from the NDP, parents are left wondering if their children will get the education they need.

“Where does the NDP stand on tuition support?” said Regan. “There are funding shortages throughout the education system, but we cannot lose sight of the need to protect programs for the most vulnerable.”

In 2007/08, more than 120 students benefitted from the program. They attend Landmark East, Churchill Academy and Bridgeway Academy in the communities of Dartmouth, Truro and Wolfville.

“Children with learning disabilities need this program now. Without it, they'll fall further behind. They won't reach their full potential, and we will pay these tuition costs many times over in lost earnings, in social services costs, and health costs."

"We simply can't afford to leave these children behind."

-30-